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An early rise today to make sure that we got to Battery Park for our 9.00am Liberty Island tour. We ventured on the Metro and took the 1 Line to the end of Manhattan. This journey took nearly 1/2 hour which is a good indication of the length of Manhattan Island . More security checks and on to a very rocking Statue Cruises ferry for a 15 minutes ride to Liberty Island. We could see Lady Liberty in the distance. Over 600 people on the ferry, crammed in and eager to get there. We soon arrived and it was only a short walk to the entrance to the statue pedestal - more security checks then up the 195 steps to the pedestal lookout. I am glad that we were unable to get to the crown as that was another 145 steps up. A fantastic view of the Hudson River, the Manhattan skyline, New Jersey and out to Staten Island. It was a very warm day with a little smoke haze, but still a wonderful view looking back to the city and up at the Statue of Liberty. We had a look at the museum inside the pedestal. After lunch we headed for the ferry for another short trip to Ellis Island- the immigration museums which was used between the early 1900sand 1920s to process all immigrants arriving. It was interesting to learn that the first and second class passengers got automatic right of entry. It was the passengers in 3rd and steerage class who had to go through this often quite unfair and demeaning process.
One thing about all the attractions in New York is the amount of queuing that is required. It is peak time with crowds everywhere. Sometimes the queue is just to get into or on an attraction and at other times it is for security. Everyone seems to take it in their stride and it is orderly- slow going but orderly. We both agreed that Ellis Island was a little overbearing with the amount of information provided and to take the time to read and absorb the exhibitions would required at least a half a day.
Back through another queue onto the ferry for the journey back to Manhattan Island. We had a 2.30 pm World Trade Centre tour booked so it was a quick walk to the tour meeting place at St Paul's Chapel. This little church is across the road from the WTC and survived the destruction. It was used as a refuge for weary firefighters and visible is marks on the pews from their buckle and equipment scratching them when they rested. A great little museum highlighting the rescuers work, the church's role and the fact that it was the first church built in Manhattan and had previously survived other disasters including the 1916 fire. George Washington visited the church to pray for the newly independent country after the civil war.
The World Trade Centre memorial opened on the 10th Anniversary of the attacks. It consists of 2 pools set in the footprints of the original Twin Towers. 10 metre high water falls cascade in to the pools, each then descending into a centre void. The name a of the victims are inscribed in bronze - nearly 3000 names. There is a "survivor tree". After 9/11, workers found the damaged tree, reduced to a 8 foot stump in the wreckage of Ground Zero. The tree was nursed back to health, sprouting new branches and flowers in springtime. It is planted in the memorial space and embodies the story of survival and resilience that is so important to the history of 9/11.
The whole scene of the memorial area is very moving, sobering and a beautiful reflective place.
We filled in the evening by having dinner with Rebecca and Liz at the Union Square Cafe.
Another great day.
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